High school football: UCLA, San Jose State land St. Francis standouts

MOUNTAIN VIEW — Tyler Manoa took a peek at his wristwatch on Wednesday afternoon. It read 12:41 p.m.

That’s the time he put ink on the dotted line to officially become a UCLA Bruin.

"I almost put a.m., but definitely p.m.," said Manoa, a 6-foot-4, 285-pound defensive lineman whose other finalist was Utah.

The four-star recruit out of St. Francis High in Mountain View joined San Jose State-bound teammate Viliami "Junior" Fehoko during a national signing day ceremony on campus that also included boys water polo standout Nathan Puentes, who will attend UC Santa Barbara.

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"It’s just amazing," said Fehoko, a 6-4, 235-pound outside linebacker. "I just remember watching Cyrus (Habibi-Likio), Bennett (Williams) signing last year, and I was just hoping I could get the same chance that they did and sign. Gratefully, I did."

There was no suspense inside the gym, considering both Manoa and Fehoko announced their decisions over the weekend via Twitter.

"I got this out of the way a couple of days ago," Manoa said. "So I’ve just been enjoying this and enjoying the love from everybody."

"I was kind of nervous," Fehoko said. "Slept a little late, felt kind of tired this morning. It was nerve-wracking."

Family, students, faculty and coaches gathered to watch in support.

"It’s probably, definitely something for the books," Manoa said. "I’m kind of speechless right now, just blessed to be at this school and just grateful for all the opportunities this school has given me."

Does this ever get old?

"Nope," St. Francis football coach Greg Calcagno said. "Not at all. It’s a different set of kids and it’s a great opportunity for them."

It was clear last week that both UCLA and San Jose State coveted their prized recruits from the school’s first-ever state championship football team.

UCLA football coach Chip Kelly sat in the stands for tip-off at last Friday’s boys basketball game, with Manoa center for the Lancers.

At the exact same time, San Jose State football coach Brent Brennan, a St. Francis alum, along with several members of his staff, met inside a closed room with Fehoko and his family.

The next morning, both verbally committed on social media.

"With a lot of prayer and counseling with family, just at the end of the day I couldn’t pass up this UCLA experience," Manoa said. "It just felt right in my heart. I had to go with and run with it."

For Fehoko, the last meeting was merely a formality. He felt at home during the official visit to San Jose State.

"And I guess it’s going to be home for the next four years now," said Fehoko, who relished the opportunity to stay in the Bay Area.

"That’s the most important part," he added. "Ever since I started football my family’s been there, and they’re still going to be there for the next four years."

Calcagno doesn’t expect to wait long before he gets to watch either on TV.

"I don’t see any reason why they couldn’t continue to grow and progress and be those kind of players that they were for us at that next level," Calcagno said.

It’s been a rewarding time together as Lancers, and this was one more chance to share the journey.

"Man, it’s been fun," Manoa said. "From a young age we always had a connection. Just came here and did what we had to do, and now we get to further our education and athletic career at the next level. So this is just a blessing and I’m happy for him. I love that guy."

"About to part ways soon, though," Fehoko said.

Who knows? Maybe they’ll reunite if UCLA adds San Jose State to its schedule.